Batman: The Animated Series – 13 Favorites

“Heart of Ice”
Airdate: September 7, 1992
The introduction of Mr. Freeze, who was re-imagined in this series as a tragic hero, as apposed to the traditional comic book villain. Pathos that Joel Schumacher completely failed to recreate in “Batman & Robin.”

“Pretty Poison”
Airdate: September 14, 1992
Poison Ivy was introduced by poisoning D.A. Harvey Dent. Besides the first appearance of Ivy, a great femme fatale, I appreciate that the creators took the time to establish the friendship between Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent before Dent becomes Two-Face.

“Mad as Hatter”
Airdate: October 12, 1992
Jervis Tetch, underrated member of the Rogues Gallery, becomes mad as a hatter after being overlooked by the woman he loves, Alice. The character was voiced by the great Roddy McDowall, who played The Book Worm on the 1960s live action series.

“Perchance to Dream”
Airdate: October 19, 1992
Bruce Wayne awakes in some alternate reality where his parents are still alive and he is engaged to Selina Kyle. The nightmare was finally over… or was it? The Mad Hatter is revealed to be responsible for this cruel deception.

“Night of the Ninja”
Airdate: October 26, 1992
Kyodai Ken, a nemesis of Bruce Wayne’s, dating back years to his training in Japan, knows Batman’s true identity based on his signature fighting style. Some nice insight into the path traveled by Bruce Wayne to become The Dark Knight.

“Beware the Gray Ghost”
Airdate: November 4, 1992
Adam West, the 1960s caped crusader, guest starred as Simon Trent, a down-on-his-luck actor, whose famous TV persona influenced Bruce Wayne when adopting his own heroic persona. What a clever way to pay tribute to Adam West.

“Harley and Ivy”
Airdate: January 18, 1993
The Joker kicks Harley Quinn to the curb. Harley was a character created for this series and has become a fan favorite. Teaming her up with Poison Ivy has also been done in the comic books. The Joker, the greatest comic villain of all time, was voiced by Mark Hamill. What a stroke of brilliance, giving The Joker a partner in crime / love interest. Gotham City’s version of Bonnie & Clyde.

“The Man Who Killed Batman”
Airdate: February 1, 1993
A low level gangster accidentally vanquishes The Dark Knight… or so it seems. The man’s legend quickly grows. The Joker is not happy about this turn of events. He lashes out at Harley and even holds a funeral for Batman. Amazing, that The Joker would feel his life if purposeless without his arch nemesis.

“Trial”
Airdate: May 16, 1994
Batman is put on trial in Arkham Asylum with The Joker as the judge, Two-Face as the prosecutor, and more members of the Rogues Gallery serving as the jurors. An all-star lineup even if not all character had dialogue. The Riddler just sat there.

“Bane”
Airdate: September 10, 1994
The Latin American masked mercenary, jacked up super-steroids, wants Batman’s cowl as a trophy. Bane was also portrayed as a lover. This episode was much less convoluted than Bane’s appearance in “The Dark Knight Rises.”

“Legends of the Dark Knight”
Airdate: October 10, 1998
Three kids discuss the mythos surrounding the Batman, paying tribute to three different artistic interpretations of The Dark Knight, spanning many years. They also poke fun at a Joel Schumacher inspired character.

“Girls’ Night Out”
Airdate: October 14, 1998
A crossover with “Superman: The Animated Series.” Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy join forces with Livewire. Batman and Superman are predisposed, so Batgirl must team with Supergirl.

“Beware the Creeper”
Airdate: November 7, 1998
Jack Ryder, a local TV reporter, gets exposed to The Joker’s laughing gas and becomes a crazed criminal, infringing on The Joker’s gimmick. The Creeper, as Ryder now calls himself, also develops a crush on Harley.